Trooper Kevin Burman (kneeling) is the primary investigator. Burman is being assisted by Trooper Ashlee McBride.

Asleep at the Wheel, Driver Goes Airborne, GOODRICH, April 7, 2016 - At approximately 1:40 pm on April 7, 2016, a red 2007 Pontiac Solstice, driven by George W. Gross, II, 38, of Leesville, Louisiana, was north-bound on US-59. Gross fell asleep at the wheel. His vehicle left the pavement to the right, struck an embankment and went airborne. According to a witness, his vehicle remained airborne from the embankment, all the way to the parking lot of Valero (about 150 ft.) where Gross' vehicle landed, and struck a white 2014 Ford F-350 driven by Shane Chaney, 39, of Sealy. Chaney had stepped out of his vehicle and went into the convenience store (his truck was parked at the fuel pumps). The collision pushed Chaney's pickup about 8 feet away from the gas pumps. Gross' vehicle came to rest in front of the store. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Deputy Victor White with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Troopers Kevin Burman and Ashlee McBride with the Texas Highway Patrol. Gross got out of his vehicle and was trying to use his phone when the ambulance arrived. His face was bloodied. He was loaded into an ambulance and transported to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries. Gross will be cited for no seatbelt. His vehicle was towed by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston.

Chaney's pickup was parked at the gas pumps. The collision knocked it about 8 feet away from the pumps.

Gross' airbag deployed.

Gross' vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing.

Houdini assisted with towing duties.

(L-R) Molly, Heidi, and Mixi were on duty for PolkCountyToday.com.

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